Exploring Dermatological Manifestations in Gastroparesis and the Associated Link Between Delayed Gastric Emptying and Nutrient Deficiencies

¹Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA

²A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (SOMA), Mesa, AZ, USA

³Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA

⁴Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA

⁵Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA

⁶California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, CA, USA

⁷Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA

⁸CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA

*Corresponding author: Kelly Frasier, DO, MS, Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA, Phone: 3105956882, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: February 09, 2025

Publication Date: March 18, 2025

Citation: Forsyth A, et al. (2025). Exploring Dermatological Manifestations in Gastroparesis and the Associated Link Between Delayed Gastric Emptying and Nutrient Deficiencies. Dermis. 5(2):34.

Copyright: Forsyth A, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Gastroparesis, characterized by delayed gastric emptying, significantly impacts nutrient absorption, leading to a spectrum of systemic and dermatological manifestations. Impaired gastric motility disrupts the breakdown and assimilation of essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc, vitamin C, and biotin, which are critical for maintaining skin health. Consequently, patients with gastroparesis frequently present with xerosis, delayed wound healing, and brittle nails, alongside more severe manifestations such as acrodermatitis enteropathica-like lesions and angular cheilitis. Delayed gastric emptying exacerbates these deficiencies by reducing gastric acid production and enzyme activity, impairing nutrient bioavailability, and increasing susceptibility to secondary skin infections. Furthermore, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress associated with gastroparesis contribute to skin barrier dysfunction, compounding dermatological complications. Therapeutic strategies, including tailored nutritional supplementation, prokinetic agents, and topical therapies, have shown potential in addressing these issues, yet treatment outcomes remain inconsistent due to the heterogeneity of nutrient deficiencies in this population. Understanding the interplay between delayed gastric emptying, malabsorption, and dermatological health is crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate skin-related morbidity in gastroparesis patients. A more integrated and personalized approach, combining precise nutritional repletion, innovative therapeutic modalities, and multidisciplinary care, holds the promise of transforming outcomes for individuals suffering from the systemic and dermatological burdens of this complex condition.

Keywords: Nutrient, Skin, Gastroparesis, Patients, Diabetes, Surgery